Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Los Angeles

Best Waterfront Restaurants in Santa Monica

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

241 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of The Waterfront Venice restaurant
4.1
Excellent(198)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Venice
Booked 11 times today
The Waterfront Venice is a Californian restaurant located on Venice beach boardwalk, hence its 'waterfront' name. Reviews rave about the 'great location', 'right on the beach' and 'cool and hip' setups. Its Californian menu is created from locally sourced produce.
A photo of Calabra at Santa Monica Proper restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1609)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Santa Monica
Booked 91 times today
Calabra at Santa Monica Proper Hotel (One MICHELIN Key 2024) is located on the hotel's rooftop. The elevated garden terrace provides an inspiring atmosphere, with the ocean as a backdrop. Whether from the pool sundeck or circular bar, the views are best enjoyed with dinner, boutique wines, seasonal cocktails, and small-batch spirits. Serving Mediterranean & Californian cuisine with a view. Seating arrangements for all reservations at Calabra may include outdoor dining, bar area, as well as our indoor/ outdoor covered lounge space. Be sure to dress warmly.**Dinner reservations are for dining only. Drinks will be accommodated upon first come first serve at the bar area. Private Couch Alcoves are available with a rental and minimum spend. Reservations of 6 or more require CC on file--cancellation fee is $35pp within 48 hours**
A photo of Palma at Santa Monica Proper restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(289)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Santa Monica
Booked 12 times today
Palma at Santa Monica Proper (One MICHELIN Key 2024) is located at the hotel's ground floor. An intimate, inspiring space lined with windows and original art, serving seasonally inspired Italian cuisine. Settle into one of the carved-out niches, or around the monolithic bar with a mural by local artist Ben Medansky, to enjoy a meal accompanied by small-batch spirit or expertly crafted cocktail.
A photo of Massilia restaurant
4.5
Awesome(840)
Price: Expensive
• French • Santa Monica
Booked 5 times today
Massilia is a Marseille-inspired brasserie with culinary influences from the South of France, Italy, Spain & North Africa. SUN – THURS Bar open til 11pm / Kitchen open til 10pm | FRI + SAT Bar open til 12am / Kitchen open til 11pm | MON – FRI Enjoy 50% off all craft cocktails & wines by the glass from 11am – 6pm
A photo of Xuntos restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(165)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • Santa Monica
Booked 12 times today
XUNTOS, "together" in Gallego, is a Tapas Bar from Chef Sandra Cordero in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica, serving small plates of things we want you to try: from the farmer's market around the corner to traditional dishes of Galicia, Asturias, Catalunya & the Basque Country, as they're eaten in Spain.The wines follow the food: natural, fun & unrefined–joined at the bar with Spanish twists on classic cocktails, plus vermouths, sherries & cold cervezas.Walk in to the bar for Xuntanza from 5-7pm, Tuesday-Saturday!Please email us for large parties & private dining: hola@barxuntos.comValidated parking is available across the street at 501 Santa Monica Blvd (Enter on 5th St.): $7 for 3 hours.
A photo of Citrin restaurant
4.5
Awesome(238)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Santa Monica
Booked 16 times today
Citrin is a modern Californian cuisine restaurant by Chef Josiah Citrin. The attention to detail and pursuit of excellence that defined Josiah’s landmark Mélisse restaurant for 20 years thrives in this new space. Citrin is a fun, welcoming, and approachable experience. A large bar and a la Carte menu brings a fresh take on our love of hospitality and passion to deliver exciting and delicious food.
A photo of Gjelina restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2415)
Price: Expensive
• American • Venice
Booked 229 times today
Gjelina is a restaurant specializing in New American cuisine. Open every day from 8 a.m. until 11pm, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, try 9 grain pancakes with butter and maple syrup or warm banana buckwheat loaf with butter and jam of the day. Brunch options include Moroccan baked eggs and 7 grain porridge. Gjelina offers a variety of oysters, crudo, charcuterie and salad options to start at lunch and dinner. Main courses include pizzas from our wood fired oven and entrees like duck confit, house made pastas and roasted organic half chicken.*Only ADA certified animals are allowed in Gjelina*A 20% Mandatory Service Charge is added to your check. Our belief is that every hourly Gjelina employee contributes to your service and 100% of the MSC will be distributed amongst them.
A photo of Water Grill - Santa Monica restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6053)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Santa Monica
Booked 70 times today
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Water Grill Santa Monica is an iconic seafood destination to enjoy the first catch of the season and a deep variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters and shellfish on a robust menu that changes daily. Located on Ocean Ave. across from the Pacific Ocean and steps away from the Santa Monica Pier, Water Grill Santa Monica is the perfect place to dine, celebrate and host an event for business or pleasure. New product arrives from boat-to-table in a matter of hours from our exclusive seafood distribution company and our chef’s preparations allow the high-quality product to shine. Consistently rated as one of Santa Monica’s top seafood restaurants, Water Grill Santa Monica also offers customizable private dining options for business meetings and special events.
A photo of Loulou Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(897)
Price: Expensive
• French • Santa Monica
Booked 52 times today
Experience the "Joie de Vivre"At LouLou, food, entertainment, fashion, and art converge into a unique, one-of-a-kind destination.LouLou’s carefully crafted menus showcase French Mediterranean flavors with a classic California twist, while honoring the generosity of artisanal and homemade ingredients, as well as local organic produce.A carefully selected wine list offers a tasteful array of wines from both France and CaliforniaNever bowing to the ordinary, whether it’s a legendary brunch, after work cocktails, elegant dinner, or corporate event, LouLou will always deliver an experience to remember.Ample parking is available in the building. We are located on the rooftop level. Suite 300
A photo of Ivy at the Shore restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3573)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Monica
Booked 58 times today
Ivy at the Shore brings the charm of its legendary sister restaurant, The Ivy, to the picturesque setting of Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, right across from the Santa Monica Pier. Established by chef Richard Irving and designer Lynn von Kersting in 1985, this elegant yet relaxed beachside gem offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from its breezy front patio and lush bungalow. Guests can savor signature dishes such as Ricky’s Fried Chicken, Lobster Ravioli, Grilled Vegetable Salad, and delectable house-made desserts including the celebrated Ivy Chocolate Chip Cookies and Red Velvet Cake. Infused with vibrant tropical décor, Ivy at the Shore captures a festive yet laid-back ambiance ideal for leisurely brunches, sunset dinners, or celebrity spotting. Known for the artistic flair of its Tiki bar, personalized, attentive service and dedication to fresh, seasonal ingredients, Ivy at the Shore remains a beloved coastal dining destination for both locals and visitors alike.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

Discover best waterfront restaurants in Santa Monica

Experience the allure of waterfront dining in Santa Monica, where the ambiance combines seamlessly with culinary delights to offer an unforgettable experience. Nestled on the Westside of Los Angeles, Santa Monica's waterfront restaurants boast breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, complemented by diverse menus that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. Each venue offers a unique perspective of Santa Monica's scenic beauty, from stunning sunsets to the picturesque pier, ensuring every meal is accompanied by a visual feast. The dining scene here is vibrant and eclectic, catering to both casual beachgoers and those seeking a more refined gastronomic adventure. Whether you're in the mood for freshly caught seafood, Mediterranean flavors, or classic American cuisine, the waterfront restaurants of Santa Monica provide the perfect backdrop for a meal to remember. Enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze and the soothing sound of waves as you dine in style, making every occasion special. These establishments not only highlight the culinary expertise of their chefs but also emphasize a commitment to providing a top-notch dining experience that resonates with both locals and visitors alike.

OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo